Superformance Unveils 50th Anniversary Gulf Racing GT40

There are few cars that are as instantly identifiable as the GT40. Lesser still are those who can wear its iconic Gulf livery…until now. Superformance, the leading manufacturer of 1960s era continuation sports cars, has announced the release of 50 limited edition Gulf Racing GT40 MKI cars at the Barrett-Jackson Auction in Scottsdale, Arizona.

These special edition GT40s will be exact replicas of the 1968/1969 Le Mans-winning car, chassis number 1075. “The same exact one wearing Gulf Racing livery that dominated Le Mans, winning in both ’68 and ‘69,” said Lance Stander, CEO of Superformance.

The prototype of this limited-edition Gulf Livery MKI GT40 honoring the 50th Anniversary of the vehicle’s dominating victories at Le Mans is on-hand in the Superformance display at the Barrett Jackson auction in Scottsdale, Arizona through January 20, 2019. All Gulf Racing 50th Anniversary GT40s will come with special edition collectability documentation and are backed by Mr. John Horsman and coordinated by John Sadler of Safir GT40 Spares, holder of the GT40 trademark.

The GT40 has won more prestigious racing events than nearly any other road racing car in history and now enthusiasts and collectors can own a piece of racing history with the limited release of the legendary Gulf Racing GT40 MKI by Superformance.

“The GT40 dominated Le Mans, winning it overall for an incredible four consecutive years,” Stander continues. “No other American car maker has come close to that amazing achievement,” and now enthusiasts and collectors can own a piece of racing history with the limited release of the legendary Gulf Racing GT40 MKI by Superformance.

The “Tool Room Reconfiguration” option package includes all period-correct components right down to the Lexan windows.

Superformance GT40 continuation cars are as true to the originals as you can get, paying such close attention to detail when designing the car that over 90-percent of the vehicle’s parts are interchangeable with an original car and chassis!

Using an exact replica of the original monocoque unibody chassis, it’s stiffer than any other chassis on the market and is made up of over 244 laser-cut or bent and pressed parts. Superformance GT40 MKI vehicles have optional modern luxuries and safety features including air conditioning, Wilwood disc brakes, Bilstein shocks with H&R springs, an adjustable pedal box, and front glass side windows with vents making it just as comfortable on the street as it is on the track.

The Superformance engineers paid such close attention to detail when designing the car that over 90 percent of the vehicle’s parts are interchangeable with an original car and chassis.

All Gulf Racing 50th Anniversary GT40s will come with special edition collectability documentation and are backed by Mr. John Horsman, who managed the original GT40 program in the UK under Ford Advanced Vehicles, and coordinated by John Sadler of Safir GT40 Spares, holder of the GT40 trademark. The recommended power source is a 1969-spec 302 Ford engine with Gurney Westlake heads, but owners have the option to fit a Ford-based 289 or 351W small-block.

The recommended power source is a 1969-spec 302 Ford engine with Gurney Westlake heads, but owners have the option to fit a Ford-based 289 or 351W small-block.

Superformance is now taking orders for the Gulf Racing 50th Anniversary GT40 MKI with rollers starting at $179,995 and the “Tool Room Reconfiguration” edition, including everything from period-correct Lexan windows to the 1969-style dash, racing tanks, coolers, racing equipment and graphics starts at $209,900 with a VIN number-matching Gulf Racing Series guitar.

For more information on Superformance, the 50th Anniversary GT40 and its full line of continuation vehicles, visit www.Superformance.com.

About the author

JP Emerson

My affliction with vintage iron is matched only by my knowledge of classic Rock ’N Roll. Although a heavy lean to all things Ford blue, I have a sharp appreciation for all makes and models, especially those that gulp gas and drop oil to mark their territory. Having provided work for multiple magazines, manufacturers, SEMA, and a top secret list of celebrity and auto insiders, I understand the bond between cars and owners.